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A cherished evening of hope in Fitchburg

Sentinel & Enterprise

Updated:
01/11/2016 06:33:31 AM EST

The symbolic swearing-in ceremony of our mayor-elect, Stephen DiNatale, at Fitchburg High School on Jan. 4 roused expectations of hope for the near future of the city and its citizens. The early evening event was filled with sights and sounds of city pride.

The stage, centered by the mayor and his wide, and flanked on one side by Stephen's legislative friends, and county, state and federal officials, and on the other side by the newly elected members of the School Committee and City Council, spawned thoughts of the real possibility of all of them working together on our behalf. Friendship seemed to be the basis of the legislators' appearance.

Having been on the City Council myself for eight years, I know how limited our efforts can be if we can't get the ear of Boston.

The heart-stopping booms of the Bluff Point Quahog Band's bass drum, along with the other drums and flutes, the presence of our uniformed police and firemen, the presentation of the state and county flag by Monty Tech Junior ROTC members, the Woo family's lead of the Pledge of Allegiance, Fitchburg State University's a cappella presentation of "Stand By Me," and the Fitchburg High School singers -- all touched my heart and mind.

The mayor's concluding speech was crowned by his plea to us all: "I ask every resident of this city to join me and to help me. ... Let's do what needs to be done and do it well."

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